Seats still available on BLS Class 50 specials
Hanson Hall ‘Hoover’ booked to operate to Whitby and Stratford-upon-Avon incorporating ‘rare track’ along the way.
SEATS on two charter trains in October and December, organised by the Branch Line Society (BLS), were still available as this issue closed for press. The group’s first offering is the ‘Whitby Endeavour’ on October 22, which is due to feature Hanson & Hall Class 50 No. 50008 Thunderer and operate in top-and-tail mode with a Loram Class 37. Starting at Derby (c 05.30), calling at Long Eaton, Alfreton & Mansfield Parkway, Chesterfield, it will take the ‘old road’ into Sheffield to pick up more passengers and where the train reverses direction. There is a pick-up at Doncaster before the train takes the route to York (the final pick-up point) via Knottingley West and Ferrybridge North junctions. From York, the route is via Eaglescliffe and Middlesbrough and over the Esk Valley Line to Whitby, with a photostop at Batterby Junction and a set down call at Grosmont for passengers wanting to visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. After approximately 90 minutes at Whitby, the tour runs back along the Esk Valley (with a second photostop at Battersby Jct), before running to Darlington and taking the branch line to Bisops Auckland. Here the train reverses, before taking the East Coast Main Line back to York, thence back to Derby (c22.35) via the Selby Canal Curve and Roundwood Chord. As is usual on BLS trains, a number of loops are expected to be traversed en route. Fares are £170 first class, non-dining, however seats at a guaranteed table for two will be £195. Standard class fare is £115. Under 18s benefit from a £57.50 reduction on all fares. There is no surcharge for not being a BLS member. The final BLS tour for 2022 is the ‘Holly & Hoover’ on December 17, again featuring No. 50008, but this time paired with Class 31 No. 31128 in top-and-tail mode, and visits to both Marylebone and Paddington are included in the itinerary, as is some rare track. With a start at Burtonon-Trent (c05.10), pick-up points will be Tamworth High Level, Birmingham New St (reverse), Coleshill Parkway and Nuneaton before taking the line via Coventry and Leamington on the way to another pick-up point at Banbury. After running to Hinksey Yard, Oxford, the train reverses to take the line to Bicester Village where there will be photo stop, and then London Marylebone. Here the tour will pick up any passengers from London and the south east, before returning north via Banbury to Stratford-upon-Avon where a break will be taken. Heading south and this time back to London Paddington (to drop off passengers who joined at Marylebone), the route is via Gerrards Cross, West Ruislip, Greenford South Jn and West Ealing. On the return to Burton, the Greenford loop is again traversed, and there will be a photostop at Bicester North, with a few loops and goods lines thrown in for good measure. Fares are £174 first class, non-dining. However, seats at a guaranteed table for two will be £199. Standard class fare is £119. Under 18s benefit from a £59.50 reduction on all fares. There is no surcharge for not being a BLS member. Booking for this tour is online only at www.branchline.uk